COLUMN: A talk with the newly retired Highland Tech principal

Lee Dedmon retired as principal of Highland School of Technology last Thursday. He served as principal at the school for the past 13 years.

Special to The Gazette

By Bill Williams

Published: Sunday, June 30, 2013 at 06:13 PM.

Lee Dedmon, 64, retired as principal of Highland School of Technology last Thursday. I sent him a list of questions recently and he shared some insight on his height — and the heights of his career.

Q. You probably are the tallest principal in the history of Gaston County Schools. Has that opened or closed doors for you? What’s the story about your passing out dollars to students who know your correct height?

A. Being the tallest principal has certainly opened doors for me, mainly because it is a conversation starter between me and students.

Passing out dollars allows me to reward their math and analytical skills. I always ask the question, “If you take ¼ of an inch from 7 feet, what is my height?” When the student gets it right, he/she is rewarded. This interaction helps me to develop positive relationships with students.

Q. Highland Tech has built an admirable reputation in the 13 years since it opened its doors. Two or three salient features that helped lead the way?

A. Integration is the keystone of our school. Our teachers work together to support the mission and vision.

Our entire faculty and staff collaborate to develop rapport with the students, families and community. We are all invested in the success of our students in all of our classrooms — academic, Career/Technical education and electives.

Lee Dedmon, 64, retired as principal of Highland School of Technology last Thursday. I sent him a list of questions recently and he shared some insight on his height — and the heights of his career.

Q. You probably are the tallest principal in the history of Gaston County Schools. Has that opened or closed doors for you? What’s the story about your passing out dollars to students who know your correct height?

A. Being the tallest principal has certainly opened doors for me, mainly because it is a conversation starter between me and students.

Passing out dollars allows me to reward their math and analytical skills. I always ask the question, “If you take ¼ of an inch from 7 feet, what is my height?” When the student gets it right, he/she is rewarded. This interaction helps me to develop positive relationships with students.

Q. Highland Tech has built an admirable reputation in the 13 years since it opened its doors. Two or three salient features that helped lead the way?

A. Integration is the keystone of our school. Our teachers work together to support the mission and vision.

Our entire faculty and staff collaborate to develop rapport with the students, families and community. We are all invested in the success of our students in all of our classrooms — academic, Career/Technical education and electives.

We maintain high expectations for everyone at our school.

Q. You played basketball at UNC Chapel Hill. A few words about that?

A. Playing at UNC was an incredible experience. I learned a lot about great leadership from coach Dean Smith.

He taught us life lessons that extended beyond my years of playing basketball.

Q. You are very tall and you have a very deep voice. You might appear to be brusque. Yet, you have a reputation for being caring and loving. Any thoughts?

A. I believe in the power of relationships. Getting to know students and staff and allowing them to know me as a caring person helps us to build a great school culture. I believe that to be successful, I need to help others to find their own greatness.

Q. What is your greatest professional strength?

A. My greatest strength is team building. During my career, I developed my active listening skills so that I could hear the concerns of others and find solutions to make them successful.

Q. Your school has a good reputation concerning discipline. Describe your philosophy of discipline.

A. Constantly reward students for doing the right thing and have strong expectations. Students will rise to the challenge.

Q. What does the word “success” mean to you?

A. Success is getting others where they need and want to be. I support the goals of my students, faculty and colleagues.

Q. In a few words, how would you involve parents in the education of their children?

A. Students need a strong foundation. Families and schools work together to make students successful. Communication is paramount to building relationships with families.

Q. An informant (student) comes to you and reports that another student has brought drugs into the building. Any thoughts?

A. I encourage students to be ever watchful of what goes on in the building and report any concerns to me. I protect the confidentiality of students who are brave enough to share their concerns with administration.

Q. What are your plans heading into retirement? Hobbies, etc.?

A. For the first month, I plan to relax and reflect on my times as an educator. Then I will clean out my garage, play some golf, and fish at my beach house. I look forward to seeing what door opens next.

Q. Any advice to your successor?

A.I have complete trust and confidence in the leadership of Mrs. McLean and Mr. Beam in supporting Highland’s continuous growth. Just remember, correction does much but encouragement does more.

About Lee Dedmon

Lee Dedmon grew up in Baltimore but began making an impact as a student athlete at UNC Chapel Hill. He was the Co-MVP for the 1971 ACC tournament.

Dedmon joined Gaston County Schools on Sept. 1, 1972, and has served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal for more than 40 years. His educational career has taken him to Mount Holly Junior High, Stanley Junior High, Cherryville junior and senior highs, Highland Junior High, East Gaston High and finally the Highland School of Technology.

As principal of the Highland School of Technology for the past 13 years, he has served as an educational leader, responsible for managing policies, regulations and procedure.